Invisible Braces Growing in Popularity

Have you ever wondered about alternatives to metal braces? If you have ever had them, the thought most likely crossed your mind more than once. The days of metal mouth ware may be coming to an end!

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, inside braces, lingual braces, or “ibraces” are growing in popularity and becoming much more affordable than in the past. From personal experience, having braces was an expensive and uncomfortable couple years of my life. Clear aligners, like the Invisalign System, can now be used to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal orthodontic braces.

You will need to discuss your situation with your Orthodontist to see if your smile can be corrected with clear aligners. Other options to traditional metal braces include ceramic clear braces and inside invisible braces worn on the backs of the teeth so that they are essentially “invisible”.

The clear alignment system is for adults and cannot be used if baby teeth remain. Children and younger teenagers will require the more traditional orthodontic braces with metal brackets and wires. The cost of clear alignment systems can sometimes be significantly more than with metal braces. The actual cost depends on the complexity of your case. Fees generally start at around $5000 or $6000, plus a few incidentals. But adults and older teenagers may believe the benefit of not having a metal smile greater than the cost.

Aligners are nearly invisible and look very much like clear tooth-whitening trays, though they are made of a slightly different, stiffer material. A big advantage of wearing aligners rather than conventional braces is that you can remove the aligners for eating, and then put them in again. It is important, however, that you brush your teeth after eating before putting the aligners back in. There are many advantages of “invisible braces” to the conventional metal braces.